DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 251 Reengrossed 2020 Regular Session Hilferty
Abstract: Re-creates the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission.
Present law provides for the Early Childhood Care and Education Network, through which the State
Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) manages and oversees publicly funded
programs that provide early childhood care or education. Also establishes the Advisory Council on
Early Childhood Care and Education (advisory council), which provides input and guidance to BESE
and the state Dept. of Education on such programs.
Prior law, which terminated on March 31, 2020, created the Early Childhood Care and Education
Commission to study and make recommendations relative to early childhood care and education
issues. Proposed law re-creates the commission and requires it to collect data, consider research and
current practices, determine a sustainable infrastructure, identify opportunities for collaboration,
determine a time frame and necessary funding to achieve affordable access to quality care and
education for all children from birth through age four, and make recommendations on the
incorporation of family child care providers into the early childhood care and education network.
Also requires the commission to produce reports for the governor, legislature, state superintendent
of education, and BESE and to establish a task force to identify and recommend funding strategies.
Proposed law provides for termination of the commission on July 1, 2022, and for the subsequent
responsibility of the advisory council to evaluate and provide recommendations to support the
implementation of the commission's plan.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action, except repeal of
proposed law is effective July 1, 2022.
(Amends R.S. 17:407.51(H)(2); Adds R.S. 17:407.23(D)(3) and 407.101 and R.S. 36:651(G)(8);
Repeals R.S. 17:407.23(D)(3) and 407.101 and R.S. 36:651(G)(8))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill:
1. Increase commission membership by adding two members.
2. Additionally require the commission to: (a)Establish a task force to identify and recommend alternative state and local
funding strategies.
(b)Make recommendations relative to the incorporation of family child care
providers into the early childhood care and education network.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Change when the advisory council shall begin to evaluate and provide recommendations
to support the implementation of the commission's plan from April of 2023 to July of
2022.